Fort Bragg Fire Chief Steve Orsi told us that the wildland fire that flared up yesterday alongside Hare Creek near State Route 20 began within a homeless encampment. Investigators have yet to determine the exact nature of the fire’s origin, whether it was a warming fire, cooking fire, or some other type of spark.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, Chief Orsi said they found structures within the homeless encampment burning and the flames spreading into nearby vegetation, including ground-level brush and tall trees. As the flames grew, they began to run uphill from the fire’s origin and began threatening homes above.
Theresa Chesmore, a Fort Bragg resident, was driving on Highway 20 and pulled over to capture video of the fire as it first lit off. She told us that when she came upon the fire, a black smoke plume was rising from the blaze and it was moving quickly as if there was an “accelerant”. Then, the fire moved more into the vegetation, the smoke plume lightened in color, and there was an audible “pop” as the fire lit a tree aflame.
Once again, similar to the night-time structure fire from last Friday night, winds were battering the blaze which Chief Orsi said complicated firefighting efforts.
The combined effort of a Fort Bragg Fire Department engine, two water tenders, and an engine from CAL FIRE brought the flames under control burning what Chief Orsi estimated was a total of a quarter-acre. Chief Orsi also thanked Mendocino Fire Volunteer Fire Department for sending resources that were canceled before they arrived.
When asked to speak to frustrations felt by some members of the Fort Bragg community regarding the homeless encampment’s role in the fire, Chief Orsi simply said, “If someone is on your property without permission and lit a fire, I understand why you would be upset.”
As to fire safety lessons demonstrated by the incident, Chief Orsi said the conditions yesterday were another reminder of the danger wind represents. “When it’s windy, you got to be super careful, even if it’s a little warming fire or cooking fire.”
Fort Bragg Mayor Bernie Norvell applauded Fort Bragg Fire Department’s efforts this last weekend saying, “??We have an amazing department full of dedicated men and women volunteers who love and protect our community.“
He added, “They are the ones that charge full stream into danger to protect the rest of us from said danger. Their dedication and commitment is second to none. We are truly fortunate.”
Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department is one of many volunteer fire departments that keeps Mendocino County residents safe. Please, consider making a donation to their efforts by sending them a check. Make it out to the Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department and send it to 141 N. Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437.
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Expect more fires from encampments , especially inland….. Ukiah!